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Home  In The News Fire Officials Seek Vehicles
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Fire Officials Seek Vehicles |
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JAMIE PRESTON OLMSTEAD , Register Citizen Staff 05/03/2003
TORRINGTON-- The Torrington Fire Department wants to trash your car - literally.
Utilized as tools for vehicle extrication training, Deputy Jaye Giampaolo is calling on Torrington residents to donate their used vehicles between now and May 12.
"The exercise is intended to train firefighters on vehicles that are currently on the road," Giampaolo said. "We’re not looking for rust buckets."
Vehicle extrication training combines the use of rescue jacks with the skill of a firefighter to stabilize vehicles in precarious situations, Giampaolo said. Whether pinned up against a tree or teetering off the edge of a cliff, rescue jacks can be placed in crucial locations to either lift or balance any automobile while fire, police or EMS personnel attempt to extricate passengers.
"Our guys are certainly at an expert level, but you can never get enough training," Giampaolo said. "We have to stay on the cutting edge and familiarize ourselves with the newest equipment."
Coupled with the recent purchase of rescue jacks by the City’s fire department, several firefighters certified in the area of vehicle extrication will serve as instructors for the training, which begins on May 13. During the exercises, firefighters will run through several scenarios that require the rescue of a human form or, in this case, a life-like dummy.
"This is a very dynamic training exercise," Giampaolo said. "It’s going to be very interesting and very life-like."
According to Giampaolo, all of Torrington’s fire personnel will take part in the training between May 13 and 29. Unlike training exercises in past years, which were typically conducted at the junkyard on Riccardone Avenue, the extrication drills will be held behind fire department headquarters at 111 Water Street.
"It’s the taxpayers hard work that has allowed us to buy the equipment," said Giampaolo, who invites the public to watch the training exercises. "We want to let them know that their tax dollars are going to good use."
Any individuals interested in donating vehicles will be provided with documentation for tax write-offs. All automobiles may be dropped off at fire headquarters prior to training and, in some instances, arrangements may be made to tow vehicles that do not run.
For more information or to donate a vehicle, contact Deputy Jaye Giampaolo by calling (860) 489-2253.
http://www.registercitizen.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=7902179&BRD=1652&PAG=461&dept_id=12530&rfi=8
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